Chiropractic Is an Alternative to Opioids
By Paul Rothbart
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of pain-killing medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. Certainly, there is a use for these meds in the treatment of illness and injury. However, they are often used excessively and for too long. Medications all have side effects, some that can be harmful. The use of painkillers in all situations is bad practice, particularly when there may be an alternative treatment that doesn't involve medication. Chiropractic care is one such treatment that can be effective in many cases.
Over-the-Counter Meds
It's very easy to reach for over-the-counter medication when experiencing any kind of pain. Most people have more than one type in their medicine cabinets. You can get them in any pharmacy or supermarket. They don't require a prescription so how dangerous could they be? Any kind of drug, no matter how easy to get, can be potentially dangerous. The most commonly taken are ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. They are effective in relieving headaches and many types of body pain. But used excessively, they can cause damage to bodily organs, particularly the liver. If you drink alcohol on a regular basis, the danger increases exponentially. People have died taking pain meds and drinking daily for extended periods. Although not as strong as prescription drugs, psychological addictions to any of these medications are possible.
Prescription Meds
Prescription painkillers, such as opioids, are much stronger. You can't get them without a prescription, but many people talk their doctors into writing a script. Physicians who have too large a caseload will sometimes prescribe them as a quick fix. These drugs are truly dangerous. They can be highly addictive and cause many health problems when taken in excessive dosages. Dependence on opioids often leads to dangerous street drugs, such as heroin, when prescriptions can no longer be obtained and insurance won't pay for the meds. The opioid crisis is a major health problem.
Chiropractic Care as an Alternative
When it comes to pain relief without drugs or invasive procedures, chiropractic is an excellent option for many people. Back, neck, and joint pain is often caused by subluxations and other problems. A chiropractor can make adjustments to fix the problem and relieve the pain. These same issues can also cause tension headaches, as well as muscle pain. A chiropractor is trained to treat all of these types of pain.
Being in pain is a terrible thing. You do have to be careful how you treat it. Medications of any kind can be dangerous. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. You may find that a chiropractor can bring you the relief you seek without any medication.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.